How much does law school cost?
How much does law school cost?
$30,000 – $55,000 average cost per year
$90,000 – $165,000 average total cost (3 years)
Average cost of law school
Law school costs $30,000 to $55,000 per year or $90,000 to $165,000 on average for tuition and fees for a 3-year program. Public state universities offer the lowest tuition rates for in-state residents. Out-of-state and private law school tuition rates are higher. Scholarships, grants, and financial aid can help offset tuition costs.
| Institution type | Average cost per year* | Average 3-year total cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Public law school (In-state resident) |
$30,000 | $90,000 |
| Public law school (Out-of-state non-resident) |
$45,000 | $135,000 |
| Private law school | $55,000 | $165,000 |
*Tuition & fees only. Living expenses are not included.
Resident vs. non-resident tuition cost
Attending a public law school in your home state gives you the best tuition rates of $30,000 per year, compared to an out-of-state student paying an average of $45,000 per year. Public schools receive state funding and offer reduced tuition for resident households that contribute to the school through taxes.
Gaining resident status typically involves living in the state for at least 12 months, obtaining a state driver's license, registering to vote, and demonstrating an intent to make the state your permanent home.
Public vs. private law school tuition costs
Private law schools generally have much higher tuition costs, averaging $55,000 per year. Since private law schools do not have access to the same state funding sources as public institutions, they must rely more heavily on tuition revenue to cover their costs.
Also, private schools often invest more in facilities, faculty, and other amenities that contribute to the higher cost of attendance.
Though more expensive, private law schools generally offer more scholarship opportunities compared to public law schools.
Law school costs
There are 197 American Bar Association (ABA) approved law schools in the U.S. offering a 3-year full-time (or 4-year part-time) program leading to a Juris Doctor (J.D.) professional doctorate in law.
A few law schools also offer an accelerated 2-year J.D. program for qualified students, and some offer additional advanced law degrees like the Master of Laws (LL.M.) and the Doctor of Juridical Science (J.S.D. or S.J.D.), which can be more international in scope.
In almost all cases, a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree is required to sit the bar exam. The J.D. program equips you with the legal knowledge and skills tested on the bar.
Most affordable law schools
The most affordable law schools can provide a quality legal education at a fraction of the cost of more prestigious institutions, making them an attractive option for students looking to minimize their student loan debt.
The following table details the law schools with the lowest tuition rates.
| School | In-state annual tuition | Out-of-state annual tuition |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia Law School (Washington D.C.) | $12,438 | $12,437 |
| Florida A&M University (Tallahassee, FL) | $13,816 | $33,077 |
| Brigham Young University Law School (Provo, UT) | $15,076 (Latter-day Saint tuition) |
$30,152 per year (Non-Latter-day Saint tuition) |
| University of Arkansas School of Law (Fayetteville, AR) | $15,500 | $37,334 |
| CUNY-Queens College School of Law (Queens, NY) | $16,012 | $26,202 |
| University of Nebraska College of Law (Lincoln, NE) | $16,423 | $38,170 |
| University of North Dakota School of Law (Grand Forks, ND) | $16,725 | $31,735 |
| University of Montana School of Law (Missoula, MT) | $24,161 | $51,161 |
Most expensive law school
The most expensive law schools tend to be the top-ranking private institutions. These schools are the most selective and charge a premium based on their reputation for providing better education and renowned faculty members, as well as increased earning potential after graduation.
The law schools with the highest yearly tuition include:
Columbia University Law School (New York, NY): $83,860
Georgetown University Law School (Washington, D.C.): $79,672
Cornell Law School (Ithaca, NY): $77,508
Harvard Law School (Cambridge, MA): $77,100
New York University School of Law (New York, NY): $76,878
University of So. California Gould School of Law (Los Angeles, CA): $76,438
University of Chicago Law School (Chicago, IL): $76,479
Duke University School of Law (Durham, N.C.): $74,100
University of California, Berkeley School of Law (Berkeley, CA): $74,100
Yale Law School (New Haven, CT): $74,044
Additional costs for law school
Law school costs include more than just tuition. Other fees include the law school application service, the LSAT test, and getting transcripts from their undergraduate college. These extra expenses can add up quickly, so students need to plan their finances carefully when considering law school.
| Expense | Average cost |
|---|---|
| LSAT exam fee | $222 |
| CAS subscription | $200 |
| CAS Report | $45 per school |
| Application fees | $80 per school |
| Bar exam registration | $100 – $1,000* |
| Transcript fees | $5 – $15 per transcript |
| Books | $1,500 – $3,000 per year |
| Licensure | $100 – $1,000* |
*Bar exam registration and licensing fees vary by state.
LSAT exam fees
The LSAT (Law School Admission Test) is a standardized test required for admission to most law schools in the US and Canada. The basic LSAT registration fee is $222, which covers the main multiple-choice exam as well as the separate LSAT Writing section.
Applicants may choose to pay additional optional fees such as $45 to $75 for an early LSAT score preview, $50 for an official score report, and $150 for a score audit.
LSAT fee waivers are available for students who demonstrate financial need.
Law school application service
The Credential Assembly Service (CAS) provided by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) simplifies the law school application process. A CAS subscription costs $200 and is mandatory for almost all ABA-approved law schools in the United States. The subscription remains active for 5 years.
CAS collects and compiles all of an applicant's key credentials, including transcripts, LSAT scores, letters of recommendation, and other required documents. CAS then generates a standardized report and sends it to each of the law schools the applicant applies to. Each CAS Report costs $45.
Application fees
The average law school application fee is $80 per school. Most applicants apply to 5 to 15 law schools, resulting in $400 to $1,200 in total application fees. Students can apply for a fee waiver through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) non-profit organization.
Bar exam fees
After graduating, law students must take and pass the bar exam in the state where they wish to practice. The bar exam costs $100 to $1,000 in registration fees alone, depending on the state. The bar exam consists of a multiple-choice Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) section as well as additional state-specific essay and performance test components.
Many states also charge an additional $100 to $150 laptop fee for using a computer to type the essay portion. Beyond the exam fees, law graduates must also budget for bar exam prep courses, which can cost $1,000 to $6,000+. Other miscellaneous costs like travel, accommodations, and Character & Fitness Investigations can bring total bar exam costs to $2,000 to $10,000.
Other expenses
In addition to tuition, fees, and health insurance paid directly to the school, law students must also budget for housing, food, and transportation. These living expenses total an average of $25,000 per year, depending on the school’s location.
On top of that, law students face numerous other expenses that add to the total cost of attending law school:
Transcripts: Law schools often require official transcripts from undergraduate institutions, which can cost $5 to $15 per transcript.
Deposit: The law school may require accepted students to submit a deposit of around $500 to hold their seat in the class.
Books: Law students can expect to spend $1,500 to $3,000 per year on textbooks and course materials.
Interview expenses: Applicants may need to travel for in-person law school interviews, incurring costs for transportation, lodging, and meals.
How to pay for law school
Attending law school is a significant financial investment, with tuition and living expenses that easily exceed six figures over the course of a three-year program. However, with careful planning and the strategic use of various funding sources, it's possible to make law school more affordable.
Scholarships and grants
The first and most important step is to aggressively pursue scholarship opportunities. Scholarships and grants are "free money" that do not need to be repaid. Law schools themselves often provide generous merit-based scholarships to attract top applicants, so researching each school's specific scholarship offerings should be a priority.
Financial Aid
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is also crucial, as this allows law students to access federal student aid programs. Many law schools use your FAFSA information to determine eligibility for their own institutional scholarships and grants.
Student loans
If scholarships, grants, and federal aid are not enough to cover the full cost of law school, students may turn to student loans as an additional funding source. Federal student loans should be the first loans a student pursues, as they offer more favorable terms and repayment options compared to private loans.
The main federal loan program for law students is the Direct Unsubsidized Loan, which allows borrowing up to $20,500 per academic year. Law students can also access the federal Grad PLUS Loan, which allows borrowing up to the full cost of attendance minus any other financial aid received.
Private loans from banks, credit unions, and other lenders serve as an additional funding source but should be considered as a last resort due to the higher interest rate and less flexible repayment terms.
Private loans are often credit-based, so borrowers with strong credit may qualify for lower interest rates.
Other funding sources
Students wanting to avoid future loan repayments should explore other funding sources like federal work-study programs, teaching, or research assistantships, and even employer tuition assistance if attending part-time.
Work-Study programs: Work-study jobs allow students to earn money with an on-campus job to cover educational expenses while gaining valuable work experience.
Employer sponsorship: Some employers offer sponsorship programs or tuition reimbursement for their employees who attend school part-time.
Fellowships and assistantships: Law schools may provide fellowships, teaching assistantships, or research assistantships that can cover tuition and potentially include a stipend. This allows students to earn money while contributing to the school's academic and research programs.
Loan Repayment Assistance Programs (LRAPs): For those interested in public interest law, loan repayment assistance programs may be available to help subsidize student loan repayment.
How to save on law school costs
You can significantly reduce the financial burden of attending law school by following these cost-saving strategies:
Apply for merit-based scholarships and look into need-based grants and financial aid.
Choose a more affordable public law school instead of an elite private school.
Explore an accelerated 2-year J.D. program to save on living expenses.
Apply for LSAT and law school application fee waivers if you qualify.
Consider not only tuition costs but also other expenses that make up the total net price, such as living expenses in the area.
Law school FAQs
What are the requirements for law school?
Applicants for law school must usually meet the following requirements for admission:
Completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Earned a minimum GPA, often around 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, though this varies by school.
Submit their Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score as part of their application, with an average score of around 150, though this can vary by school.
Submit letters of recommendation from professors or others who can speak to their potential for success in law school.
Submit a personal statement or essay.
Some schools have additional requirements, such as interviews, writing samples, or supplemental essays.
How long is law school?
While a traditional, full-time J.D. program is 3 years, the overall time to complete law school can range from around 6 to 7 years when accounting for the undergraduate degree, LSAT preparation, and potential variations in program length.
Is law school worth it?
Overall, whether law school is worth it is a highly personal decision that depends on factors like career goals, financial situation, and willingness to take on significant debt. Prospective law students should carefully weigh the costs, benefits, and alternatives before deciding if the investment is worth it for them.
Can you take the bar without going to law school?
The majority of U.S. states require applicants to graduate from an ABA-accredited law school before they are eligible to sit for the bar exam.
California, Virginia, and Washington allow individuals to take the bar exam through a structured apprenticeship program instead of attending law school. Some other states, like New York and West Virginia, require a combination of law school coursework and apprenticeship experience before taking the bar exam.
How do I choose which law schools to apply to?
The typical law school applicant applies to 5 to 15 schools, with the majority of their applications focused on their "target" schools where they have the best chance of admission. Attending a law school recruitment fair is a great way to learn about various schools and admission requirements.
The Internet Legal Research Group (ILRG) website provides a comprehensive list of US law schools, including rankings, GPA averages, LSAT scores, and acceptance rates.
Comparing law schools
Comparing law schools can be challenging, but doing the research can help you find the right school for you. Here are some things to consider:
Reputation and rankings: A law school's reputation and ranking can impact the job opportunities available to graduates. Research the specific strengths, programs, and outcomes of each school you're considering.
Location: Consider where you want to practice law after graduation, as most students end up taking the bar exam and working in the state where they attended law school.
Bar passage rate: Look at each school's bar exam passage rates, as this indicates how well they prepare students for the bar exam.
Curriculum: Ensure the schools offer coursework, clinics, and concentrations that align with your legal interests and career goals.
Cost and financial aid: Consider the total cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and living expenses, as well as scholarship and loan opportunities.
Overall fit: Visit the campuses, if possible, to get a feel for the culture and environment that would be the best match for you.
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.